Refugio

Location: Corner of Av. Javier Prado Este and Av. Manuel Olguín, Santiago de Surco, Lima – Peru

Project type: New construction – Food court

Stage: Certified

Certification: EDGE – Final Certification (February 8, 2024)

Project start: 2021

Construction completion: 2022

EDGE certification year: 2024

Project description

Refugio is a food court located next to the Jockey Plaza Shopping Center, at Av. Javier Prado Este 4492, conceived as an innovative urban space that combines gastronomy, entertainment and sustainability. The project was developed using reused shipping containers and integrates approximately 700 m² of green areas, positioning itself as a benchmark for ecological architecture and conscious design in Lima.

From its initial concept, the project prioritized environmental criteria through the use of organic materials, low-impact construction solutions and passive strategies aimed at reducing resource consumption. The architectural design promotes an open, flexible space that connects with its surroundings, enhancing user experience and environmental comfort.

The venue brings together more than 20 food operators — including Peruvian cuisine, Japanese food, grills and desserts — complemented by a bar, live performances, music, a children’s area and a nursing room, making it a vibrant social and cultural meeting point.

Refugio achieved EDGE Final Certification, validating that the sustainability strategies implemented meet the savings required by the standard.

What makes this project innovative?

The innovation of the Refugio Project lies in its ability to integrate sustainability, material reuse and urban experience within a high-turnover gastronomic format.

The project stands out for:

• Reusing shipping containers and existing structural elements, significantly reducing embodied carbon.
• Prioritizing passive strategies such as natural lighting and ventilation in a high-intensity use space.
• Integrating green areas and vegetated roofs as active components of thermal comfort and user experience.
• Demonstrating that EDGE certification is feasible for non-conventional, mid-scale commercial projects.

Impact and strategies implemented in the project

Overall EDGE performance

• Energy savings: 22%
• Water savings: 24%
• Reduction in embodied carbon in materials: 68%

Energy efficiency strategies

Energy savings are achieved through a combination of passive design and efficient technologies, including:

• Reduced window-to-wall ratio to control heat gains.
• Use of higher-performance glazing.
• Efficient LED lighting for interior and exterior areas.
• Automated lighting control systems.
• Daylighting strategies using skylights.
• An efficient cooling system adapted to the project’s operational needs.

Water efficiency strategies

The project achieves certified water savings of 24% through:

• Efficient faucets in restrooms.
• Efficient faucets in kitchen areas.
• Dual-flush toilets.
• Low-consumption urinals.

Materials optimization strategies

The significant reduction in embodied carbon is achieved through:

• Reuse of existing slabs.
• Use of hollow walls and lightweight metal panels.
• Metal roofing systems and lightweight slabs.
• Finishes with low embodied energy.
• Lightweight interior partitions that reduce overall material demand.

Emissions and environmental performance

• Final operational emissions: 38.04 tCO₂/year
• Operational emissions savings: 27.78 tCO₂/year

These results reflect improved operational efficiency and a substantial reduction in environmental impact throughout the project’s lifecycle.

User well-being

Refugio’s design prioritizes occupant comfort and experience through:

• Natural ventilation and open architectural design.
• Abundant natural daylight.
• Green roofs that enhance thermal comfort and environmental quality.
• Family-oriented spaces, including a children’s area and a nursing room.

Community impact

Refugio delivers a positive urban and social impact, highlighted by:

• More than 20 active food operators.
• Direct and indirect job creation for dozens of people.
• Over 70,000 visitors per year, consolidating the project as a key community gathering space.

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